Estrella Fagundo is a Cuban residing in Germany who has sent a family remittance to Cuba, amounting to 2,200 euros. The Metropolitan Bank on Galiano Street in Central Havana is refusing to deliver it to the recipient, claiming that they do not have enough cash.
It all started in the early days of September when Fagundo sent money from Germany to Havana through Sparkasse, a network of local and regional savings banks. However, the money, which typically takes a week or fifteen days to arrive, still hasn't been delivered to the recipient two months later.
When Estrella Fagundo's sister went to the Banco Metropolitano to pick up her remittance, a worker told her that they couldn't give it to her because they had no money.
The Cuban sister residing in Germany then went to the Central Bank on Calle Obispo in Old Havana, but she was not attended to at that moment. She had to request an appointment at the Joven Club de Computación located at the corner of Parque El Curita, next to the Capitol, and there she finally received an appointment for the Central Bank. However, when she went to that appointment, she was informed that she would be placed on a waiting list and that they would give her the money when her turn came.
Almost two months have gone by, but the money still hasn't reached its recipients. Two thousand euros are for Estrella Fagundo's sister and 200 euros are to be donated to the Church of Charity in Old Havana, so that Father Ariel, whom Fagundo trusts completely, can provide food for the most disadvantaged people.
This Monday, Estrella Fagundo's sister returned to the Joven Club de Computación and was scheduled to visit the Central Bank on Obispo Street once again this Wednesday.
She will go this Wednesday hoping to receive the money that is rightfully hers and that she needs to buy food and pay the electricity bills and other expenses. Furthermore, it should be noted that Estrella Fagundo's sister suffers from a chronic illness and requires proper nutrition, which she could have had over the past two months if the bank had not illegally withheld the family remittance.
Metropolitan Bank has faced criticism this summer after deciding that customers must book an appointment through the Ticket app in order to file complaints or claims regarding the service provided. This has caused discontent on social media and raised questions, even from voices close to the official press.
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